Most of us who have a basement in their home use this room to store items we rarely or never use. Your basement is also likely filled with items like Christmas decorations, clothes you can no longer fit in, old books, toys, appliances and other items you have no courage to part with. These items are usually packed in dull cardboard boxes stacked up against the walls.

Therefore it’s no wonder how so many homeowners never even notice mold developing in the basement until it’s too late. Mold can be very sneaky and difficult to notice, especially if your basement is cluttered with old boxes. It’s only when you finally decide to de-clutter the basement or smell mold’s foul taste that you realize you have a serious mold problem.

Mold is usually just an aesthetic nuisance. But some people, especially those allergic to mold, can develop an array of symptoms, from mild to serious ones. Either way, these symptoms are not pleasant at all. Some people develop symptoms similar to hay fever such as a sore throat, high fever, and a runny nose. In other cases, mold allergy can cause serious headaches and depression.

If anyone in your family is experiencing these symptoms, and you cannot pinpoint the cause, the mold is likely to blame. In this case, it’s very likely mold has taken a liking to your basement, but you should consult a mold removal professional just to be sure.

Where Does Mold Grow in the Basement?

Mold usually grows on organic surfaces or items. Mold is attracted to cellulose, which is one of the main ingredients of those boxes you use to store your items in the basement. Mold can also grow on old linen, curtains, firewood and more.

While mold needs cellulose to feed, it also needs water to survive and thrive. As basements tend to be very damp, they are an ideal breeding ground for mold. Because basements are underground there is usually more moisture there than in other parts of our home. That is why you should look at your plumbing pipes for leaks or for cracks in the foundation, as that is where mold is most likely to be hiding.

How to Remove Mold form My Basement?

There is more to mold removal than most homeowners believe. The main problem is that when you mess with mold, it fights back. When disturbed, mold releases its spores into the air. If your family members inhale them, they may develop the symptoms we talked about. If the molds reach another suitable surface, they will begin spreading again.

That is why large surfaces affected by mold need to be examined and remedied by professionals. Without the right tools, experience and protective gear mold can be very dangerous and the chance of it spreading through the rest of your home is much higher. A professional mold service can safely remove the mold and prevent it from spreading.

If the area affected by mold is small, it should be safe to get rid of it on your own, but only if the patch is no larger than 10 square feet.

If you’re taking care of smaller mold patches, you can use a solution made from baking soda, vinegar, and warm water. Use a rag to soak the affected area first. This will help ground the spores and prevent them from spreading. Once you’ve left the patch to soak, wipe the mold away using a damp cloth.

How to Prevent Basement Mold

Knowing how mold works are crucial for preventing it from growing or returning. The first thing you need to know is that you need to perform visual inspections frequently, especially if you already had a mold problem in your basement. You can also sniff the mold out, as its unpleasant, stale odor is hard to miss.

Finally, pay attention to the mold levels in the basement. If you notice any leaks or condensation, you should be on alert for mold.